How To Reach Namche Bazar

Reaching Namche Bazaar, Dharan, Nepal

Namche Bazaar is a popular staging point for treks to Everest Base Camp and other high-altitude treks in the Khumbu region. Here’s how to reach Namche Bazaar:

Step 1: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu

Flights: Your journey will begin by flying into Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city. Most international flights from major cities around the world land here.
Visa: Upon arrival, you'll need to obtain a Nepalese entry visa, which is available on arrival for many nationalities.

Step 2: Domestic Flight to Lukla

From Kathmandu, you will take a domestic flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla, which is the most common starting point for the trek to Namche Bazaar. Flights to Lukla are weather dependent and can be canceled or delayed.

Step 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar

After reaching Lukla, you'll commence a two-day trek to Namche Bazaar.
Day 1: Trek from Lukla to Phakding (2-4 hours).
Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (5-7 hours).
It is important to note that the times specified can vary greatly depending on your pace and the weather conditions.

Alternative Routes:

Helicopter: For those looking for a quicker, albeit more expensive option, helicopter services are available from Kathmandu to Namche Bazaar.
Trekking from Salleri/Phaplu: If flights to Lukla are not available or if you wish to trek through a different route, you can take a jeep to Salleri or Phaplu and then trek to Namche Bazaar which will take multiple days.

Essential Information:

Remember to book your domestic flights early, as they often get fully booked, especially during peak trekking seasons (spring and autumn).
Acclimatization is crucial to prevent altitude sickness. Namche Bazaar sits at an altitude of 3,440 meters (11,286 feet). It is recommended to spend at least one extra day in Namche for acclimatization before venturing higher.